Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle (Hirosaki-jo) was built by Lord Tsugaru, who governed this region at the beginning of the 17th century. The castle tower was originally five stories, but it was destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning in 1627. Since five-storied castle towers were prohibited by the Edo Shogunate, which governed Japan at the time, it was rebuilt with only three stories. Besides the castle tower, the turret on the southeast corner and the east gate of the outermost castle wall are designated Important Cultural Properties. Moreover the entire area of the castle ruin, including the stone walls and moat, is designated a Historic Site. Many cherry trees are planted around the castle, drawing numerous visitors during the cherry blossom season from the end of April until the beginning of May each year, a time when Hirosaki Castle is said to be at its most beautiful.

Tsugaru kite picture

It is said that Tsugaru kites, a folkcraft of Aomori Prefecture, were first made in the 17th century by poor low-ranking members of the samurai class. Japanese kites generally have a bamboo frame, but as bamboo is difficult to grow in the Tsugaru district because of the severe cold, lightweight and supple cypress cut into thin strips is used instead. Tsugaru kites feature strong, thick lines in Japanese ink and a picture of a warrior painted in brilliant colors, predominantly red. Some kites are painted with gallant warrior images based on Sangokushi (Romance of the Three Kingdoms) and Suikoden (Water Margin) stories from Chinese classical literature.

Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware

The production of Tsugaru-nuri lacquerware began when the feudal lord of Tsugaru, now Aomori Prefecture encouraged the production of Japanese lacquerware from the latter half of the 17th century to the beginning of the 18th century. In Tsugaru-nuri items such as jubako, tiered boxes for serving food and tableware are made by covering a wooden base with cloth and brushing on 40 layers of lacquer. This process takes over 50 days to complete, producing elegant, robust pieces with a beautiful luster and floral pattern. Tsugaru-nuri is popular in Japan not only for practical use but also for use in interior decorations, and was designated a traditional craft by the government in 1975.